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Gentry, Martin to share Rangers' center-field duties

3/21/13: Leonys Martin hits a bases-clearing double in the the bottom of the ninth for the thrilling walk-off victory against the Angels

By T.R. Sullivan
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MLB.com |

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Leonys Martin and Craig Gentry will share center-field duties for the Rangers this season. Manager Ron Washington just hasn't decided how they will share the position.

"Not yet," Washington said. "I can tell you both guys will play, but I'm not announcing any platoon."

A platoon would make sense since Martin bats left-handed and Gentry right-handed. But Washington isn't committing to that right now, although the Astros are starting right-hander Bud Norris in the season opener on Sunday night.

"It just depends," Washington said. "They are both playing well. That's the job I have to do, get them both playing time. I'm glad I'm in that situation where I've got two guys that can play."

Martin, who took a .339 batting average into Wednesday's game against the Angels, beat out Julio Borbon for the job and will be on the Opening Day roster for the first time in his career. Martin has played in 32 games at the Major League level over the past two years, hitting .204 (11-for-54) with five doubles and two triples.

"I feel great, now I have to go out and show what I can do," Martin said. "The most important thing for me is to help us make it to the World Series. I want to win, that's what I want to be all about. I have some other goals, but mainly you can break it down to staying healthy and playing hard."